Sun, The (Lowell, MA)
January 23, 2007
Section: Lifestyle
Short story The miniskirt is back, so get those legs in shape
RACHEL R. BRIERE, Sun Staff
You've got legs, and it's time to start using them. Thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic character, Carrie Bradshaw, for the past couple of years full circle A-line skirts hid sins that only you and your Mystic tan aesthetician's eyes have seen. Well, sorry to tell you, gals, but the mini is back for spring and summer of 2007. And before you think that this is just a short-lived trend -- no pun intended, and you'll give up skirts till next year -- think again. Short-shorts, thigh-skimming shift dresses and super-skinny capris are in the fashion forecast for the beach days ahead of us.
But there is no need to make plans to relocate to Australia and skip summer here altogether. We have some exercise and shopping tips to take the horror out of the hiked-up hem line.
Skirt Shopping
- Avoid skin-tight minis at all costs; they are nearly impossible to look good in, even if you are Kate Moss. Instead, cop one with an A-line shape, which is universally flattering.
- During the cooler months of early spring, minis worn with dark opaque tights are not only trendy but slimming as well. They also make a short skirt in the office acceptable. Never wear a mini with bare legs to work, even if it is during a heat wave.
- Since a mini shows off a lot of skin, wearing midriff-baring tops or skin-tight V-necks is a no-no. Loose-fitting sweaters, blouses and blazers that hit just below the hip are the perfect pairing to a short skirt.
- If you want to wear a mini without calling too much attention to yourself, wear it with flats.
Leg Warmers
Get your gams gorgeous with these exercises:
"The very best shaper for a miniskirt is, of course, the safe lunge," said Karen Bell, owner of The Club in Lowell. "It shapes the buttocks, hamstrings, thighs and calves."
Start in a lunge position with your front foot extended flat in front of you and extend your other leg behind you on the ball of your foot with your heel raised so your knee is two inches from the floor. Press you back knee toward the floor, making both legs bend at 90 degrees. Do 15 to 20 reps, and add weights as it gets easier over time.
Bell also recommends doing squats with a ball.
Place a ball between your back and the wall. Pressing against the ball, slide down the wall until you are in a sitting position, then back to standing position. Do 15 to 20 reps and, like the safe lunge, add weight as it gets easier for more resistance.
"If you don't have a dumbbell at home, use a Webster's dictionary or even your baby. As the baby gets heavier, your legs will look fabulous," laughed Bell.
Squats, stair climbers and the elliptical trainer are also great leg toners, she said.
Rachel R. Briere's e-mail address is rbriere@lowellsun.com.
(c) 2007 The Sun ( Lowell, MA). All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc. by NewsBank, Inc.
